Humanist Chaplain

What is a Humanist Chaplain?

A Humanist Chaplain works within an organization to provide a Humanist perspective for those who want it. That can be anyone who just wants a friendly chat, advice, consultation, education about Humanism, a secular celebrant for ceremonies, or Humanist pastoral care for more difficult issues and existential questions.

Humanist chaplaincies serve the same roles as their religious counterparts, but serve their communities from the perspective of secular, Humanist values.

Humanism is the belief that you can lead a good life without god. It is the belief that we only have one life and that we should make the most of it, for ourselves and for our fellow human beings. Humanists make sense of the world by means of reason and evidence. Humanists have a positive outlook on life, guided by rational thought and focus on the importance of human cooperation and compassion for solving problems.

A Humanist Chaplain can increase the well being of individuals, but note that chaplains are not health care professionals or professional counselors. A chaplain can certainly help with making that contact or provide local referrals. The Secular Therapist Project can also help connect you to counselors who support individuals from a Humanist perspective.

Humanist Society Chaplain Information

BE. Orlando’s director is a Humanist Chaplain, certified through The Humanist Society, a branch of the American Humanist Association. She also serves as the Humanist Chaplain for the University of Central Florida.

A chaplain represents Humanist values and principles in Humanist communities and secular institutions such as a hospital, nursing home, prison, military unit, school, police department, university and/or humanist community.

Chaplains have the responsibility and authority to work with non-humanists as well as humanists. This position is distinguished by a professional chaplain’s covenant to serve all and exploit none.

The society endorsement affirms 1) the individual can authentically represent humanism and 2) the individual is ready to serve according to professional standards within and outside the humanist community.